Tow professional issue 2, 2014 by Over the Mountain Media, Inc

TOW PROFESSIONAL

Volume 3 • Issue 2 2014

CONTENTS Spill Control

26 |

Hazmat Awareness and Spill Kits Improve Safety and Efficiency

www.towprofessional.com

Spill Control Spotlights 30 | Keystone 29 | New Pig

31 | Flow Stop

Protective Clothing

32 |

Protecting Employees from Winter’s Hazards

In Memoriam: Donald J. Mesaros, Jr.

Industry NEWS

Protective Clothing Spotlight | 37

Hooked Up 38 | DC-Matic

38 | Next Generation

39 | Hubcaps Unlimited

and Recovery Operator

11 |2014 BBB Torch Awards: Pierce Sales 40 | Tow Mate

Fuel 4 thought

12 | What’s the Best Way to

40 | AW Direct

39 | Aldridge Insurance

Start the Day?

42 | BA Products

14 | The Buck Stops Here

41 | AW Direct 42 | Eartec

(It’s All About You, the Owner)

43 | Eye 3 Data Lube tAlk

20| Grease, the Forgotten Lube

IN EVERY ISSUE

24| Wall of the Fallen / Hall of Fame 2

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4 | Publisher Letter 38| HOOKED UP 44| Dealers Place

45| Market Place 48| Ad Index

PUBLISHERS

LETTER

Professional Your Resource for Towing & Recovery

Volume 3 • Issue 2 2014

www.towprofessional.com

What a winter! For the people in our industry who are affected by mild or harsh winters, this one has been one to make your year! We are located in Birmingham, Alabama, and even our towing companies have benefitted from the ice and snow. Since we are in Birmingham, one might not think that their company would need to be prepared for such weather - WRONG! Two weeks ago, I witnessed three tow trucks (two from the same company) that were trying to help others, but they got just as stuck as the people they were trying to help. As a matter of fact, one of the trucks was wrecked into a guard rail (spending money rather than making it). They weren’t prepared; no chains or snow tires simply meant that they could not capitalize on an opportunity to make money. Yet other companies had no problem because they were simply ready when the time came. Are you prepared when the next opportunity stares you down and says, “Here is your chance”? In life, the closest thing to a guarantee is prepara-

PUBLISHERS Darian Weaver President & Co-Publisher darian@towprofessional.com

Jack Hartsfield Vice President & Co-Publisher jack@towprofessional.com

Steve Goodwin Sales Manager steve@towprofessional.com __________________________

PRODUCTION Clint W. Cabiness Art Director Hal K. Huber Kattie Spence Graphic Designers Jill Hasty Managing Editor __________________________

tion. The trade show season is about to start up again. We will be heading to Orlando for the Florida Tow Show April 10-13. If you are in the area, I encourage attending the show. The trade shows are the places to see new product and innovation. There are also plenty of training courses and speaking engagements by our industry leaders at the

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Karen Hamel DJ Harrington Dan Messina Mark H. Stromme Dan Watson

shows. Tow Professional will be in booth #278, and we hope to see you there! I’ll be ready for Florida after this winter.

STAY SAFE,

Executive and Advertising Offices 2007 Old Montgomery Hwy, Suite B1. Birmingham, AL 35244 Toll free: 888-802-8544 Fax: 205-978-1550 www.towprofessional.com

Darian Weaver and Jack Hartsfield Co-Publishers By the way, did you notice the last cover of Tow Professional? Many of our readers did; thank you for your calls and emails. There were some safety issues to take note of and make you think when you are on a recovery. Never allow someone behind the vehicle being loaded; the police car should have been further behind the tow truck with his wheels turned, and the controls should be operated opposite the side of traffic. If you didn’t notice this, please do the next time you go on a call. It will get you back to your family safely. 4

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Tow Professional is published nine times a year by Over The Mountain Media, Inc., P.O. Box 26308, Birmingham, Alabama, 35260, USA. Tow Professional is distributed free to qualified subscribers. Non-qualified subscription rates are $57.00 per year in the U.S. and Canada and $84.00 per year for foreign subscribers (surface mail). U.S. Postage paid at Birmingham, Alabama and additional mailing offices. Tow Professional is distributed to qualified Towing & Recovery's Top Decision Makers. Publisher is not liable for all content (including editorial and illustrations provided by advertisers) of advertisements published and does not accept responsibility for any claims made against the publisher. It is the advertiser’s or agency’s responsibility to obtain appropriate releases on any item or individuals pictured in an advertisement. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written permission from the publisher.

For a new free subscription, address changes or corrections, please visit www.towprofessional.com and click on the “subscribe” tab.

IN MEMORIUM Donald J. Mesaros, Jr. Publisher’s Note: We asked Cheryl Mish and Tug Brock to help us pay tribute to Donald “Donny” J. Mesaros, Jr., an industry leader who we recently lost. Cheryl (close friend) and Tug (stepson) share their meaningful thoughts with us.

Cheryl Mish: Donald J. Mesaros, Jr. passed away on January 11, 2014, after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Don was proud to become a member of The International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame Class of 2011….almost as proud as the museum was to induct him! Don was a very quiet and humble man who was loved and adored by hundreds. His family was truly blessed to have him, and his friends were blessed even more to know him. There are so many wonderful things that can be said about Don throughout his life. He always put the feelings of others first. He stood back in the shadows and let everyone else shine in the light that he always seemed to create. His spirit always glowed with happiness, and his heart always broke with sadness. He loved deep, and he gave everything unselfishly. He always stood strong and proud – even to the end. His legacy will go on – he will never be forgotten, and he will forever live in the hearts of those who knew him. A great man indeed! Tug Brock: “Donny was always the type of man that put others first. He would give you the shirt off his back and the last dollar out of his pocket, no matter how cold or hungry he might have been. Though he never had children, he and I hit it off right away, and we quickly developed a father/son relationship almost overnight. He treated his grandchildren Jacey, Alex and Colton, especially Colton, as his own. I don’t know what his and Colton’s connection was, but Donny stopped everything he was doing when that little boy was with his Poppy. When Colton was born, Donny got to hold him when he was about 4 hours old. We remember him saying that he’s never held a baby before. Donny was the quiet, humble type. He honestly never

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spoke bad about anybody, I don’t care who it was. If he didn’t like you, you’d never know it, and neither would anybody else. He cared about the towing industry more than anybody I may ever meet in my lifetime. Donny was instrumental in many changes to the industry, and nothing pleased him more than seeing towers working together as an ally. In one personal experience that I had with Donny, I had towed a van for the local police. The vehicle had broken down, and the family was from out of town. I towed the vehicle back to our shop. They had a little girl with them, about 7 years old, who had a rare skin disease, and she was en route to Childrens’ Hospital in Cincinnati for treatment. Once we diagnosed the vehicle, the husband told us to go ahead and make the repairs and that he had to try to call back home to borrow the money. Donny gave the family a ride to Childrens’ for treatment and told them to call us the next day when they were ready to come back. Upon their return the next day, the man had several credit card numbers in which to pay his bill. Donny tore up the bill and told the man to take care of that baby girl. Once the man left, I looked at Donny and said, “That was very nice of you.” To which he replied, “Karma, Son, Karma” and out the door he went.”

............................................... What Do You Get from Your Tow Association? >>>

Industry NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY

elonging to an association has many benefits. It’s sometimes hard to recognize or justify the cost of joining. The California Tow Truck Association (CTTA) is one of the largest and most successful in the towing industry. Often people immediately look at the cash outlay and ask if they’ll get their money’s worth. We’ll try to explain what goes into a successful association and the value of membership. First and foremost is the safety and professionalism for an industry like ours. We often operate in very dangerous situations, and it requires ongoing training and a focus on legislative issues, such as the “Slow Down, Move Over” laws, to protect our members and their employees. As for professionalism, the consumer is almost always in a negative situation when we begin our relationship. Whether it’s their vehicle being impounded by a police agency (and we are the ones contracted to take it away), they’ve broken down, or been in an accident, all are emotional events, and we must present the best customer service of any business, all while in these stressful situations. Not as visible, but equally important, is understanding the technical part of towing, whether it’s operating the equipment or performing within the complex legal guidelines on impounds, general tows, etc. The legislative piece is often the most complicated and hard to

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manage. We clearly want to be heard on protecting ourselves, but frequently this comes with the burden of facing more stringent compliance guidelines for doing business. Often we must also become the enforcer. An excellent example of this is the recent enactment of bill AB 306 in California, requiring a company picking up a vehicle from a tow yard to provide a copy of their Motor Carrier Permit. The intent is to keep rogue operators with no Worker’s Compensation or Liability Insurance off the highway. The police agencies and DMV don’t have the resources to administer this, so we now become part of the solution by carrying out the change. On the other hand, while we were excited to partner with Caltrans (highway maintenance in CA) on getting our version of the “Slow Down, Move Over” bill passed, it is very difficult for the various law enforcement agencies to oversee. Education is critical. Everyone sees the value in learning how to roll that semi back upright or get a Jeep out of the ravine. However, it’s also about teaching safety and customer service skills to a driver or dispatcher, how to look professional, and, if the business is to be profitable, teaching the owner how to be successful. Being successful includes managing expenses, payroll, HR issues, marketing and advertising. Education comes at a cost: writing and producing the manuals, paying for instructors, and the facilities to do the training. Member benefits programs are often how the typical owner measures his association’s value. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Some of the companies and programs just offer a discount, and some pay back to the association. An association like ours has dozens of vendors offering price breaks, assistance in problem solving for owners, and other help. It’s unfortunate that we end up comparing the “price of membership” against the “discounts and savings” to get owners to commit. In reality, the association’s value is beyond measure. How do you put a price on a single driver saved by safety training, the number of customers satisfied by quality service, or the security of knowing your fellow towers must have the same insurance and qualifications as you do to be on scene working alongside you? Western States Tow Show www.westernstatestowshow.com

................................................................. Hazmat Responder Network

>>> Hazmat Responder Network Training is designed to certify Towing and Recovery Professionals who want to engage in the containment, remediation and disposal process of contaminates and hazardous materials that are the result of transportation accidents. Course objectives are in compliance with Federal regulations that govern such operations. Presented by Rudy Dinkins and Perry Beaty, they bring over 50 years of combined knowledge for hazmat and towing. This Hazwoper Certification Course combines classroom and field exercises with hands-on scenarios for in-depth understanding. Once completed, individuals will be certified under 29 CFR 1910.120 (q) for one year, at which time HRN will offer a required 8 Hour refresher course. Dinkins and Beaty encourage you to visit www.hazmatrespondernetwork.com for more information and course application or call 877-356-9767. www.hazmatrespondernetwork.com 877-356-9767

........................................................... towPartners has recently partnered with Michelin >>> towPartners has announced that it has recently partnered with Michelin to be the primary supplier for the towPartners tire program. This program brings a simple process to towPartners members, allowing them to setup an account directly with Michelin and to receive the towPartners pricing on their purchases. This new member pricing is very aggressive and is expected to add significant value to the towPartners membership, as well as to provide new sales for Michelin through the partnership. The new tire program being offered to towPartners members is geared toward member companies with fleets who purchase tires from local dealers. Using the program, towPartners members receive tremendous discounts on the tires they purchase and still have access to the local dealer network for delivery of tires, as well as mounting, balancing and other tire-related services. Participation is limited to current towPartners members whose fleets represent hundreds of thousands of tires in use every day. "towPartners continues to work hard to deliver quality benefits to

our members," stated Jeffrey Godwin, COO of FTI Groups, who operates towPartners. "We are proud to offer a program associated with such a dynamic leader in the tire industry. The towPartners Michelin program will offer towPartners members the full line of Michelin tire products at a great savings. We are thrilled to offer this kind of quality benefit that will represent real savings to our members as we work 'for the industry." towPartners members now have the opportunity to view discounted Michelin tire pricing online at www.towPartners.com and, after a very simple Michelin program registration, will be able to order tires and pick them up at a Michelin dealer near their location. There are approximately 1,700 points of sale across the United States, making the towPartners tire program accessible nationwide. To learn more about towPartners, visit www.towpartners.com.

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 3 â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 2 | Tow Professional

............................................... The unique design of the Hino 258 >>>

Industry NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY

Turn the steering wheel and see for yourself. The unique design of the Hino 258 steering components gives it a wheel cut of 55°, one of the most accommodating in the transportation industry. And the Meritor Easy Steer front axle and TRW steering gear not only reduce steering effort, but also contribute to long component life.

The 258’s standard dual driver side grab handles, large non-skid steps and the widest door openings in the industry (88° of swing) make it easy to get in and out of the truck. It also makes it safer, especially when the driver is entering and exiting in hazardous weather. The 2014MY Hino Trucks lineup welcomed a new addition to the family: the 195 model. This 19,500 GVW cab-over engine chassis configuration is available as a diesel-only (195) and is also available with a diesel-electric hybrid (195h) option. Both models are also available in an extended double-cab (195-DC, 195h-DC) configuration. The 195 boasts excellent sight lines and second-to-none maneuverability that one would expect from a COE offering, but there is more to the story. What really drives the 195’s success is the Hino J05 engine that powers it. The J05 engine features 210hp with 440 lb.-ft. of torque with a 5L displacement. The 195 / 195-DC model is also eligible to receive HinoCare benefits free of charge to the customer, which is Hino’s preventive care program for the truck’s first 2 years or 60,000 miles. Visit www.hino.com for more information and to locate your nearest Hino dealer.

........................................................... Professional Tools for the Professional Towing and Recovery Operator >>> ITI Products developed by a tower for towers help with difficult jobs while promoting a professional image. The sound of a smooth sliding car, no scraping on concrete, no gouging of asphalt, no metal on aluminum or steel scraping noises, reinforce the image of the professional towing & recovery operator in the eyes of the customer and the repair facility technician. ITI products accomplish that and more. With more innovative products on the way, ITI provides the right tool for the job. The original all-purpose skate (APS4), the Control Arm Skate (CAS6), and the Container Skate (CSP.5) are just a few in the ever growing ITI product line. ITI takes pride in its ability to introduce tools to the towing industry that enhance the image of the towing operator.

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ITI Skate products reduce resistance, some as much as 66%, creating less stress on the winch and attachments, eliminates further damage to the disabled vehicle, reduces or eliminates damage to the carrier bed and the blacktop or concrete is not gouged during the recovery/ loading and unloading process. ITI’s goal is to provide proper tools to make the job easier and safer for the people who choose the towing industry as a career, and have those in this field regarded as “Professionals.” I TOW IN, Inc 800-979-8697

................................................................. 2014 BBB Torch Awards >>> The Better Business Bureau of North Central Texas continued a tradition January 21, 2014, by hosting the 17th Annual BBB Torch Awards for Marketplace Excellence at the Wichita Falls Country Club before a capacity crowd. Businesses were celebrated and acknowledged for their commitment to ethics, integrity and their support of our local marketplace. The top awards went to Law Office of Gregory Underwood P.C. for the Small Category, AAA Guardian Foundation Repair for the Medium Category, Pierce Sales for the Large Category, and Rathgeber Hospitality House in the Non-Profit Category in recognition of their commitment to exceptional customer service and ethical business practices. The BBB presented winners with a crystal trophy that they can display and the winners promote their status in advertising, marketing and on their websites. Businesses are evaluated for their commitment to customer service through exceptional standards for ethical business practices. The independent panel of judges, made up of various community leaders, look at how the company engages its customers, employees and the larger community. They also must meet BBB ethical, advertising and selling standards. Companies and charities may nominate themselves, or they may be nominated by customers or other businesses.

Pierce Sales Pierce Sales has been in Henrietta, Texas, since 1976. The company was literally built from scratch. Jeff Pierce stood with his father, George, along different stretches of highway, waving to passing drivers and seeing how many friendly waves they got in return. The friendliest location became Jeff’s business location. Pierce Sales began in consignment sales but grew to become a distributor of towing accessories; converter of work truck equipment; and manufacturer of winches, remote controls, farm equipment and dump kits. Within a few years of opening, Pierce Sales became the largest distributor of trailers nationwide. One of their mottos is “Do It Right the First Time.” The Pierce Sales conversion shop has extensive experience, and they do not rush to complete their work. Pierce Sales is committed to serving others during work hours and also in the community. They are personally involved in many non-profit and religious organizations.T hey have had numerous awards for “Distributor of the Year,” as well as numerous letters and certificates of appreciation from the community.

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www.towprofessional.com | Volume 3 • Issue 2 | Tow Professional

Fuel 4 thought By D.J . H arrington

What’s the Best Way to

Start the Day?

I was in New Orleans speaking at the NADA Convention. NADA is the National Automobile Dealers Association. While there, I was asked, “DJ, how do you start your day?” Wonderful question! So, I paused and said, “Well, at my age, it seems the bathroom is the first on my list.” My comment prompted a smile! I continued, “I’ve got some age on me and am a Christian. So, I sit down and spend some time reflecting. I really try to be someone who finds something good in each day…then give it to someone else.” The tips that I am about to share with you will help you discover the right beginning for your day. This one is so important. Believe that you are going to have a great day. Have the faith that no matter what happens that your day will be great. Ask yourself empowering and positive questions, such as: What can I do to make this day better than any other day? Or, what can I do to make a difference in my job or business? Review and reflect over things in your life that make you the happiest. What are you most excited about in your life? When you ask yourself these type of questions, you’re more apt to have a good day. All of us should think about what we are most grateful for in our lives. Now that I have 3 grandchildren, the natural course is to think about them a great deal. So I do. What’s your focal point? When you’ve pinpointed it, focus on the positive answers to some of the above questions. Use the answers to enrich your life and give yourself a positive attitude toward each new day. Here are the next activities in my morning ritual. Sometimes I listen to lively music. Fast, energizing music can get me recharged quickly for the new day. Music is a melodious vapor that can change

Last week,

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the mindset from negative to positive. Another day, I may listen to motivational tapes while dressing for the day. Words from someone successful may be just what you need. Let’s not forget your goals either. You need to go over your long-term goals and review all the actions you can take towards accomplishing them. I have to include this activity every morning. I spend 5 to 10 minutes each day with a daily devotional book that I bought for myself this past Christmas. It’s a ritual for me that’s “non-negotiable.” That may not be for you. Perfectly fine! However, here are some suggestions that might help you start your day – your way. You have to get up earlier than you want to get up. Everyone knows the old saying, “The early bird always catches the worm.” You have to give more than you get in return the moment you put your feet onto the floor. You have to care more about others and helping them more than they care about you. You have to lead when no one else is following you yet or you don’t feel like leading. You have to invest in yourself even though no one else is. You have to try and fail, try and fail, and try again. You have to run faster even though you are out of breath. You have to be kind to people who have been cruel or mean to you even though you’d rather reciprocate. When things go wrong, you have to be accountable for yourself. The biggest suggestion of all, no matter what happens, is you must keep your personal goals and achievements in front of you – all day, every day. Review them each morning and throughout the day. Before retiring at night, see how much you accomplished. Making sure you have a good day depends on how you start, spend and finish your day. What you put into your mind and heart from the moment you wake up is most important because it sets the scene and tone for the day’s events. Start a ritual now. You’ll discover wonderful, positive and productive days ahead for you. See you next time. TOW D.J. Harrington is an author, journalist, seminar leader, international trainer, and marketing consultant. He works primarily with customer service personnel, and his clients include such world-class companies as General Motors, DuPont, Caterpillar, AutoData Direct and Damon Corporation He can be reached at 800-352-5252 or by e-mail at dj@djsays.com. Publisher’s Note: DJ will be speaking at the 17th Annual TRAA Legislative & Leadership Conference, March 20-23, 2014. Hope everyone is there in Washington, D.C., to support TRAA!

The Buck Stops Here By Dan Messina

(It’s All About You, the Owner) 30 years or so, I worked in the computer industry and did not worry much about the structure of the company because it was already there. When I started my own business, I didn’t realize how different my life would become.

As the owner of my business, I was now responsible for everything that would happen. I was now in charge of: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

Finding a location Understanding all the laws and regulations for my industry Identifying the different types of people I would have to hire Hiring and firing of all employees Buying computers and software Buying other equipment necessary for my business Accounting Sales Customer service Setting objectives for the company Preparing a budget Running the day-to-day operation and keeping everyone happy

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Everything comes back to “You” the owner. The first thing I did was identify the type of person I was and what I believed in, because this is what my company would look like. As I looked at myself, I thought:

I knew I worked better as a team player, not an individual that wanted or had to do everything.

I knew I wanted a professional look. I want my employees to look professional but intimidating.

I wanted my team to have uniforms.

I wanted my equipment to look good with lots of bling.

There were other things we will talk about as we identify who “you” are. My only experience to this point was the sports teams I put together. I was a softball umpire for several city recreational leagues in the Dallas area. I wanted to put together a team to compete at a high level, so I started scouting teams that I was umpiring. This was my interview process. I wanted my leadoff hitter to be left-handed with speed. This would increase his chances of getting on

base. I wanted my 2nd and 3rd batters to be good hitters and get on base a lot, and I wanted my 4th hitter to be cleanup and have power to hit homeruns. My 5, 6, 7, and 8 batters were the same as the first 4. The 9th batter was usually the pitcher, and, as long as he could pitch, that’s all that mattered. Once I had the players, I dressed them to look good, which made them intimidating. Other teams feared us before we even took the field. That was my philosophy for my softball team, and it was very successful. We played in several state tournaments and even made it to nationals one year. It was fun and very successful at the same time. I took the same philosophy and applied it to my company. I knew I was a team player, so my first priority was to build a strong team. I needed a sales person. I found an experienced sales person that could bring me business immediately, but he wanted a large salary. Remember when you are starting a company, everyone’s salary seems large. We found a way to afford him by giving him other functions to do besides sales. We needed phone people, and we found people we liked and had good personalities and were upbeat people and they worked out great. My drivers were as honest as I was going to find in this industry, and most of their tattoos were hidden. I didn’t mind tattoos, but I wanted a professional look. This was easy to build because I know who I was and what I wanted my company to look like.

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I had a competitor who spent some time in jail. When he got out and started his business, he used all the people he met in jail. Needless to say, his company was a little different than mine. Back to my sports ventures, there was a time when 3 on 3 street basketball became very popular and cities would hold tournaments. Dallas would get over 250 teams to participate. I decided to put a team together and compete. I looked for a ball handler, a shooter and a big man. Each team had four players, so there was one substitute. I

was the brains behind the team. I was also the only white guy on the team. Once again, I was looking for skills for the team. Once again, we were very successful. We played together 4 years and won in cities all over the southwest. I relate what I’ve done in sports and tried to show you how it related to my business. Everyone is different; as you evaluate you are and your strengths and weaknesses, you will see what you need for your company to make it better. Don’t hire everyone just like you or you will be strong in the areas you are good in and weak at the areas you don’t like. I was opening up an auction business one time, and I needed to get a zoning change for the property I wanted to occupy. My landlord let me run my business there while I worked on the zoning change. I thought I could do it myself. This is something I never had any experience in, and it was quite a lesson to be learned. I had to deal with:

1. Selling multiple city council men in Dallas 2. Attending and presenting my opportunity zoning no less than 4 times 3. Walking the neighborhood getting a petition signed by residents 4. Presenting my opportunity to city council twice After several months of fighting with the city, I did not get the zoning change, and I gave up on the business. As I was going through this, I met a consulting firm that want to help me. They were Dallas council men and had all the connections. I chose to go it alone and lost. Several years later, I had a business that I want to move to a larger location. That move required a zoning change. Do you think I tried to do it myself? Hell no. I found that consulting firm and gave it to them. In less than 60 days, I got the change and moved. Don’t try to do things yourself. Find people talented at what you need and use them.

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After I got the new land, I needed to develop it. I needed:

A city of Dallas Fence Permit

A city of Dallas Building Permit

A city of Dallas Landscaping Permit

A city of Dallas Electrical Permit

A city of Dallas Plumbing Permit

A city of Dallas Concrete Surface Permit

I thought this would be easy, so I went to the city and applied for all the permits. They required something new every day, and, after 3 weeks of aggravation, I thought I would escalate my problem to a higher level. While I was waiting for my meeting, I met a young lady in the waiting room who was saying hi to all the city employees as they came in. I commented to her that she knew everyone and asked if she could help me. She said yes. I asked her to wait until my meeting was over and I would talk to her. I met with the escalating people,

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and they said it would cost me $500 an hour and a minimum of 5 hours to get my permits. I asked them how long it would take, and they told me another 3 weeks. I left the meeting. On the way out, I asked the young lady to meet me outside. When we got outside, I asked her what she could do for me. She said I needed $1,500 cash and I would have the permits in less than 7 working days. I gave her the money, and we went inside and started the process of applying for permits all over. She was right; in less than 7 business days, I not only had my permits, but I also had them green tagged and approved. The point I want to make with all these stories is that you can’t do all the work yourself. Not only do you not have the skills, but you don’t have the time, either. Don’t be afraid to use others to help run your business. It will make your life easier and definitely more productive. Everything in your company falls on your shoulders; share the load. Our advice in running your business is to surround yourself with people smarter than you and have fun. Someday your life will flash in front of you, so we want to make it worth watching. TOW Visit www.djanddan.com for more information.

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 3 â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 2 | Tow Professional

Lube tAlk

GREASE, B y D a n Watson

the Forgotten Lube

previous Lube Talk articles, we looked at the role lubricants play in overcoming the effects of friction. In this installment, I want to examine one specialized type of lubricant: grease lube. Looking at previous civilizations, we can see that man has tried several methods to provide basic lubrication to load-bearing surfaces; axles have presented one of the most challenging applications. As far back as 1400 BC, mutton fat and beef tallow were used on chariot axles to reduce friction in order to allow for more speed and to slow down wear. One can only imagine the pressure on the maintenance men to make the chariot go faster and to avoid axles catching on fire from the continuous friction. While there is evidence of lime being added to these fats in order to make their lubricating properties last longer, few other improvements to the composition of grease are known to have been used until we reach the magic year of 1859. What happened in 1859? Colonel Drake drilled the first ever oil well in Pennsylvania; since then, the world has not been the same. In petroleum oil, man found a lubricant that could be manipulated in a variety of ways to produce greases much superior to the lubricants that preceded them. In turn, more advanced and effective greases have been produced in recent decades with the advent of synthetic greases. The word grease is derived from the Latin word Crassus meaning fat. We can see where the name came from (mutton fat, beef tallow); how-

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ever, grease lube, for modern purposes, is not to be construed as fat. The American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) defined grease in 1916 as: A solid to semi-fluid product of dispersion of a thickening agent in a liquid lubricant. In plain English, this means a lubricant composed of lubricating fluids (oils), thickened by mixing chemicals to produce a semifluid to semi-solid consistency. Now that we know a little of the history of grease and how grease is defined in modern lubrication; when, where and why is grease lube used? While lubricating oils are able to lubricate any friction-causing situation, greases offer unique characteristics that are well suited for: • Situations requiring less dripping or spattering of lubricant • Hard to lubricate bearings or joints where reducing frequency of lubrication is needed • In dirty, dusty or hazardous environments where additional sealing is needed to prevent lubricant contamination • For intermittent operation. Oil drains away from critical bearings when the equipment is stopped but grease stays in place.

Grease Lube Composition Greases are made from oil and thickeners (sometimes called soaps). The process is simple, but the details are fairly complex. The lubricating oil

can be petroleum or synthetic and can vary in viscosity. Additionally, anti- chassis greases used in auto and truck applications are usually NLGI #2. wear and extreme pressure additives can be added to formulate greases In very cold climates, NLGI #1 grease is preferred because the grease will thicken in response to the temperatures. Synthetic greases thickfor specific applications, such as high speed bearings, very cold or very ened with appropriate compounds are functional over a wide temperahot conditions, open gears, extreme loads or high moisture conditions, ture range, from minus 50ºF to 500ºF; petroleum greases are generally to name a few. Oil and thickeners can be combined to offer greater temlimited to 0°F to 300°F. perature ranges and resistance to moisture. Thickeners can be comIn 1991, the NLGI developed a classification system specifically tarbined or formulated with additional chemicals to produce more complex geting automotive greases (Table One). For the majority of readers, it is thickeners for specific applications. the appropriate rating system for your truck applications. Greases will vary in thickness depending on the amount and type of thickeners used, as well as the viscosity of the lubricating oil used. The NaNLGI Classification System for Automotive Greases (Table One) tional Lubricating Grease Institute NLGI (NLGI) is the regulating body that esApplication Service Service Limitations tablishes specific ratings for greases. Classification Greases are rated on a hardness scale from 000 to 6; where 000 is a Chassis Mild duty, frequent re-lubrication LA thick liquid, like pudding, and 6 is a Chassis Infrequent re-lubrication, high loads, water exposure LB block, similar to hard clay. Today, 000 Wheel Mild duty GA grease lube is used as a replacement Bearings for gear lubes in bearings and differWheel Moderate duty, typical of most vehicles GB entials, and number 6 grease is used Bearings where a rubbing action is needed to Wheel Servere duty, high temperatures and frequent stop produce a light film on the surface to GC Bearings and go service be lubricated. Wheel bearings and

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Lube tAlk sistant, the grease must pass additional testing that insures its ability to cling to a surface while being sprayed with a stream of water. Water resistant greases contain additional thickeners and tackifiers that allow them to resist washing out. Sometimes, these greases will be labeled â&#x20AC;&#x153;marine,â&#x20AC;? but more and more they are simply referred to as water resistant.

In 1859, Colonel Drake drilled the first ever oil well in Pennsylvania; since then, the world has not been the same. In petroleum oil, man found a lubricant that could be manipulated in a variety of ways to produce greases much superior to the lubricants that preceded them. In turn, more advanced and effective greases have been produced in recent decades with the advent of synthetic greases. So, when you are looking to purchase grease lube for your truck, look for grease labeled GC-LB: grease rated for severe duty for the wheel bearings as well as for the chassis. Multi-purpose grease is the correct match for 3500 chassis, but heavy duty grease is the better choice for most tow trucks. Synthetic greases, available from Amsoil and Mobil, will provide the best protection over the widest temperature range. Heavy duty grease is moly-fortified (molybdenum disulfide), which provides for extreme pressure lubrication. I have explained the difference in extreme pressure lubrication vs. standard lubrication regimes in an earlier issue of Lube Talk, so please refer to that issue for the specific explanation. There are several legitimate extreme pressure grease points on heavy duty trucks; using the correct grease is critical for proper operation and long life. If the grease will be exposed to water, either by submersion or by spray, using water resistant grease is the best choice. To be water re-

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Grease Compatibility A word of caution; not all greases are compatible with each other. This problem occurs because some of the thickening agents chemically react with others, which can lead to the grease lube becoming very hard or liquefying or preventing the oil from leeching out to provide lubrication, essentially rendering the grease useless. Most grease you find for automotive applications are lithium or lithiumcomplex greases: these are compatible with each other. Table Two covers compatibility/incompatibility of commonly used greases. If you find grease that uses a different thickener than those listed, contact me to verify compatibility.

Compatibility / Incompatibility of Commonly Used greases (Table Two)

Table Two – Different types of grease lube are not always compatible with each other. For instance, the first two grease compounds, Alu-

minum Complex and Barium Complex are incompatible as indicated by the “I” inside a red box. A “C” inside a green box indicates that the two compounds are compatible with each other. A “B” in a yellow field indicates the two compounds possess only borderline compatibility. Grease is the forgotten lubricant, it just doesn’t rise to the level of notice of other lubricants; however, grease lube is fundamental to proper care for your vehicle. For most auto or truck applications, greasing should be done at three month intervals for petroleum and six month intervals for synthetics. Wheel bearings properly packed with synthetic grease are good for 10 years, but the most convenient time for repacking is when the brakes are replaced. There are few manufacturers stipulating wheel bearing maintenance, and some are now installing sealed bearings that cannot be greased. Ball joints and steering joints can still be greased in most heavy duty vehicles, but in light duty vehicles, the grease fittings may not be installed and you will have to purchase them and install them. As with all lubricants, synthetic greases outperform petroleum greases, and the cost difference is actually in favor of the synthetics; you simply use less grease over time and the upfront cost difference is minimal. TOW For questions and/or comments, contact me via my website, www.TheLubepage.com, or by email at danwatson@thelubepage.com.

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Hazmat Awareness &

Spill Kits Improve Safety and Efficiency By Karen Hamel, New Pig Corporation

Punctured radiators and grazed saddle tanks are just two of the leaky messes that drivers may face when they’re called out to assist disabled vehicles. Getting these and other vehicle fluids under control quickly and safely can 26

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present challenges. Whether it’s crankcase oil, brake fluid, antifreeze or battery acid, all are essential fluids that keep vehicles running. Unfortunately, these fluids aren’t very useful when they’re

leaking into the ground. To make matters worse, most are considered to be hazardous – presenting problems for both the environment and personal safety. Knowing what to do before a spill kit is chosen is just as important as choosing the right one. Recognizing Hazards Being able to quickly recognize different vehicle fluids and understanding their hazards is an important safety consideration for drivers. It allows the correct absorbents, personal protective equipment (PPE) and other tools to be chosen and used for the fastest, most efficient response. In addition to these liquids, drivers can face just about anything when they pull up to a scene. Tank trucks carry anything from water to highly flammable or corrosive materials. And just like engine fluids, if there’s an accident, these can leak, too. In many cases, drivers are not trained to respond to large chemical spills, and, even in the event of a large tanker spill, they will not be called upon to assist with actual cleanup duties for those liquids. However, because they could encounter a wide variety of hazardous liquids, it’s a good idea for everyone to have at least a general awareness of the hazards that they could face at an accident scene. Fire departments, the local emergency management agency or the local hazmat team are all good sources for free or low-cost hazard awareness training. This training won’t train drivers to gear up and respond to a big spill, but it will give them an understanding of

how to look for hazards and help them to understand the steps that they can take to stay safe. Protecting the Bottom Line Employees are arguably a company’s most valuable asset, so protecting them from harmful chemical splashes that might occur while they’re out clearing vehicles from a scene should be a priority. As spill response supplies are being chosen, consider what types of gloves, splash goggles and other PPE might also be needed to keep drivers safe. It is important to have PPE that is resistant to the fluids that drivers will regularly face. But, it is also important to recognize that no single type of glove, splash suit or other piece of PPE will protect workers from everything. If they are at a scene with an unknown chemical, it is far safer for them to step back and wait for help from someone who has knowledge of the chemicals involved than it is to wear PPE that won’t properly protect them from harm. Understanding Absorbents Absorbents come in lots of different colors, shapes, forms and sizes. In most cases, choosing the wrong one won’t bring doom and utter destruction – but just like tools, choosing the right one will make the job go a lot more smoothly. The first thing to know is that absorbents come in two types: universal and water-repellent (also called “oil-only”). Universal absorbents are non-selective – they will absorb just about any liquid

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that comes into contact with them. This can be a good thing because they always work, no matter what the liquid is. But, it can be bad if the absorbent is not compatible with the liquid. It can also be bad if it is raining because the absorbents will pick up both the spilled liquid and rainwater, so more absorbents will likely be needed to get a spill cleaned up. Water-repellent or oil-only absorbents only absorb oils and petroleum products. These are a first choice for response in bad weather because they’ll repel water and only absorb the oils and petroleum products present. The limiting factor is that they will not pick up coolants, battery acid or any other water-based liquids. When choosing absorbents for a spill kit, it’s a good idea for drivers to have both universal and oil-only absorbents. The next thing to understand is which form of absorbent to use: socks, mats, or loose. Having a combination of these three forms will help get small spills under control and cleaned up quickly. Socks come in different lengths, and like other absorbents, can be either universal or oil-only. The main function of socks is to create a dike that absorbs and stops the spill from spreading any further. Absorbent mats are used to quickly soak up spills that have been contained. They can also be placed under something that is slowly dripping to catch the drips until the source of the leak can be found and repaired. Loose absorbents are probably the most familiar. They can be poured around a spill to dike it or sprinkled over a contained spill to soak it up. The limiting factor with loose absorbents is that they need to be swept or shoveled up after use, unlike mats and socks, which are easier and faster to pick up after they’ve done their job. The last thing to consider is how much liquid each absorbent can hold. This helps to determine how many of each type of absorbent to put into a spill kit. Most vehicle spills are less than 10 gallons. In most cases, a spill kit that absorbs 10 to 20 gallons will fit in the cab, and will be lightweight enough for anyone to pull it from the cab for fast use.

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Spill Kit Picks Spill kits come in different shapes and sizes. They can come prepackaged from a supplier, or they can be put together onsite from materials supplied by different vendors. Like tools in a toolbox, as time goes on, operators will discover which products and tools they like the best and which are the most useful. Some of the most common items in spill kits are: • • • • •

Absorbents (socks and mats) Appropriate PPE Hand wipes Temporary disposal bags Patch and repair items

Prepackaged spill kits come in both onetime-use and refillable varieties. One-timeuse kits are convenient because when they are used at a scene, they can be quickly replaced with a new kit. Refillable kits can be more economical, and can be refilled as the contents are used. Ready for Action People rarely call for a tow truck unless something has gone wrong. Disabled vehicles and highway accidents cause traffic congestion and can spur additional accidents. Being prepared to handle small spills quickly and safely adds value to towing services, prevents fluids from being tracked from the scene and minimizes slippery road conditions caused by fluids that leak from vehicles. TOW

Karen D. Hamel is a technical specialist for New Pig Corp. She has over 20 years of experience helping environmental, health and safety professionals find solutions to meet EPA, OSHA and DOT regulations. She is a hazmat technician, serves on the Blair County, PA LEPC, is a CERT trainer and has completed a variety of hazmat response and NIMS courses, including Planning Section Chief. She can be reached at 1800-HOT-HOGS8 (468-4647) or by email karenh@newpig.com.

spill control company spotlight

New Pig is the No. 1 brand that helps companies manage leaks, drips and spills to protect workers, facilities and the environment. “Partners In GrimeD” with our customers since 1985, New Pig has grown into a multi-channel, multi-brand supplier of innovative liquid management solutions and industrial maintenance products that serves more than 200,000 industrial, commercial, utility, military and government facilities in 70 countries worldwide. When New Pig invented the first contained absorbent, the PIGD Absorbent Sock, it revolutionized industrial leak and spill management forever. Today, New Pig offers thousands of exclusive and innovative PIGD brand products, including 29 Plant Engineering

New Pig

Products of the Year Awards. Among the leading New Pig brands include the Original PIG Absorbent Socks, PIG Grippy Mats, PIG Spillblocker Dikes, PIG Spill Kits, and PIG Flammable Safety Cabinets. Besides the world’s largest selection of absorbent mats, socks, booms, pillows, pans and spill kits, the company also features select name-brand products in material handling equipment, workplace safety, stormwater management, personal protection, spill response, vehicle fluid maintenance, filtration, maintenance and clean room wipes. TOW For more information, contact www.newpig.com. New Pig is headquartered in Tipton, PA.

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spill control company spotlight

Spill Containment EcoSponge is utilized as an absorbent and bioremediation product in both residential and industrial applications. EcoSponge can be spread on any surface and will quickly absorb most aqueous spills. Spread a thin layer of EcoSponge over the spill. Wait a short period of time for the spill to be absorbed. The patented of microbes are designed to consume the hydrocarbons and can turn most any spills into inert material. The hydrocarbons will be encapsulated within the cell walls of EcoSponge. EcoSponge naturally occurring microorganisms will immediately begin to break down the hydrocarbons. Once the contaminates are encapsulated, the unwanted material is then considered to be biodegrade and can be left on site or disposed of in most landfills. The product works on both soil and hard surface applications. EcoSponge is also able to absorb and encapsulate heavy metals from soils and liquids.

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Why EcoSponge? • Low cost • Extremely high absorption value • Quick absorption rates • Biodegrades most oils and solvents • Absorbs 4 times more than clay products without the dust • Non-abrasive • Works on hard surfaces and water Keystone stocks plenty of products for spill containment, such as booms and absorbent pads. We also have a chemical solution that will cleanup spills on contact and breaks down the Hydrocarbons. TOW Keystone Tape and Supply of Texas, Inc. Office: 817-439-8898 Fax: 817-439-0593 www.keystonetape.com

spill control company spotlight

Based in Denver, North Carolina, FlowStop is originally known for its inflatable pipe plug designed to manage flow control, containment, remediation, spill response and evacuation/flushing. It also simplifies drain line maintenance. FEMA Grant-approved, the patented design includes single and dual 2 inch flow-through ports for serving non-pressurized pipes. The models not only arrest unwanted contaminants in storm drains; they also turn the storm drain into a containment tool – thereby simplifying the control and remediation process! The new FlowStop “Golfball” and “Football” Plugs are the newest

products in the line, controlling leaks more quickly, easily and accurately than any other product available anywhere. About Perry Beaty Perry Beaty is a veteran of the towing industry in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he owned and operated Beaty Towing and Recovery along with Piedmont Environmental Response Team (PERT), selling both companies in 1998. He is Wreckermaster Certified 95465 and named one of the Top Ten Wreckmasters in 1997. Beaty has maintained his Hazmat certification, receiving a patent in 2008 for the inflatable storm drain plug that was approved for FEMA funding in 2010. TOW To learn more, visit www.FlowStop.net or call 877-356-9767.

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Protecting Employees from

Winter’s Hazards

B y M a rk H. Stro mme

As a tow professional, you and other owners, operators, and employees work year-round outside in the elements. Depending on your location, the outdoor work environment can be brutal, especially in the winter months. Wearing jackets, coveralls, insulated work boots, gloves, hats and balaclavas are a common means of protection from the cold, wind, rain, and snow. Crawling around over and under vehicles and on the beds of trailers can put this cold weather gear to the test. Personal protective equipment The above items are considered personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as “PPE.” PPE is equipment worn to minimize exposure to serious workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries and illnesses may result from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards. Personal protective equipment may also include items such as gloves, safety glasses, protective footwear, earplugs, hard hats, respirators, coveralls, vests, and full body suits.

When engineering, work practice, and administrative controls are not feasible or do not provide sufficient protection, employers must provide PPE to their workers and ensure its proper use.

Training Employers are also required to train each worker required to use PPE to know: • When it is necessary • What kind is needed • How to properly put it on, adjust, wear and take it off • The limitations of the equipment • Proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the equipment

Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment

Body protection

OSHA requires that all personal protective equipment be of safe design and construction, and be maintained in a clean and reliable fashion. It should fit well and be comfortable, which encourages workers to use it. If the PPE does not fit properly, it can make the difference between being safely covered or dangerously exposed.

Employees who face possible bodily injury of any kind that cannot be eliminated through engineering, work practice or administrative controls must wear appropriate body protection while performing their jobs. Employees working in the towing profession are often exposed to these hazards:

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• Temperature extremes; • Splashes from hot liquids; • Potential impacts from tools, machinery and materials; and • Chemicals. All employers are required to perform a hazard assessment according to OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.132(d), “Hazard assessment and equipment selection.”

plastics protect against certain chemicals and physical hazards. When chemical or physical hazards are present, check with the clothing manufacturer to ensure that the material selected will provide protection against the specific hazard.

High-visibility retroreflective clothing Visibility hazards can also pose problems for tow operators. When you are exposed to traffic hazards, a best practice would be to follow the

CALL OUT BOX 29 CFR 1910.132(d) The employer shall assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). If such hazards are present, or likely to be present, the employer shall: • Select, and have each affected employee use, the types of PPE that will protect the affected employee from the hazards identified in the hazard assessment; • Communicate selection decisions to each affected employee; and • Select PPE that properly fits each affected employee. If a hazard assessment indicates a need for full body protection against toxic substances or harmful physical agents, the clothing must: • Be carefully inspected before each use, • Fit each worker properly, and • Function properly and for the purpose for which it is intended. Protective clothing comes in a variety of materials, each effective against particular hazards, such as: • Paper-like fiber used for disposable suits provides protection against dust and splashes. • Treated wool and cotton adapts well to changing temperatures, is comfortable and fire-resistant and protects against dust, abrasions, and rough and irritating surfaces. • Duck is a closely woven cotton fabric that protects against cuts and bruises when handling heavy, sharp, or rough materials. • Leather is often used to protect against dry heat and flames. • Rubber, rubberized fabrics, neoprene and www.towprofessional.com | Volume 3 • Issue 2 | Tow Professional

Protecting Employees from

Winter’s Hazards 2009 edition of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), Chapter 6E, Flagger Control, which states: “For daytime and nighttime activity, flaggers shall wear high-visibility safety apparel that meets the Performance Class 2 or 3 requirements of the ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 publication entitled American National Stan-

dard for High-Visibility Apparel and Headwear and labeled as meeting the ANSI 107-2004 standard performance for Class 2 or 3 risk exposures. “The apparel background (outer) material color shall be fluorescent orange-red, fluorescent yellow-green, or a combination of the two as defined in the ANSI standard. The retroreflective material shall be orange, yellow, white, silver, yellow-green, or a fluorescent version of these colors, and shall be visible at a minimum distance of 1,000 feet. The retroreflective safety apparel shall be designed to clearly identify the wearer as a person.” Providing Class 2 or 3 safety vests to all employees required to work in or around a roadway is an important step in protecting them.

Payment for protective equipment The employer is required to pay for certain types of personal protective equipment. However, the employer is not required to pay for non-specialty safety-toe protective footwear (including steel-toe shoes or steel-toe boots) and non-specialty prescription safety eyewear, provided that the employer permits such items to be worn off the job. When the employer provides metatarsal guards and allows the employee, at his or her request, to use shoes or boots with built-in metatarsal protection, the employer is not required to reimburse the employee for the shoes or boots.

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The employer is not required to pay for: • Everyday clothing, such as long-sleeve shirts, long pants, street shoes, and normal work boots; or • Ordinary clothing, skin creams, or other items, used solely for protection from weather, such as winter coats, jackets, gloves, parkas, rubber boots, hats, raincoats, ordinary sunglasses, and sunscreen. The above indicates that you do not have to pay for heavy outerwear such as cold-weather jackets. However, since your employees may be working on or near roadways, they may be exposed to struck-by accidents. If this is the case, your hazard assessment would have indicated that and you would have to provide some type of appropriate high-visibility safety apparel.

Personal protective equipment/clothing checklist Use the following checklist to help determine if you are in compliance with OSHA’s requirements: • Have you determined whether hazards that require the use of PPE (e.g., head, eye, face, hand, or foot protection) are present or are likely to be present? • If hazards or the likelihood of hazards are found, have you selected appropriate and properly fitted PPE suitable for protection from

these hazards and do you ensure that affected employees use it? • Have employees been trained on PPE procedures, i.e., what PPE is necessary for job tasks, when workers need it, and how to properly wear and adjust it? •Are protective goggles or face shields provided and worn where there is any danger of flying particles or corrosive materials? • Are approved safety glasses required to be worn at all times in areas where there is a risk of eye injuries such as punctures, abrasions, contusions, or burns? • Are employees who wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) in workplaces with harmful exposures required to wear only approved safety glasses, protective goggles, or use other medically approved precautionary procedures? • Are protective gloves, aprons, shields, or other means provided and required where employees could be cut or where there is reasonably anticipated exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials? See the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030(b), for the definition of “other potentially infectious materials.”

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Protecting Employees from

Winter’s Hazards • Are hard hats required, provided, and worn where the danger of falling objects exists? • Are hard hats periodically inspected for damage to the shell and suspension system? • Is appropriate foot protection required where there is the risk of foot injuries from hot, corrosive, or poisonous substances, falling objects, crushing, or penetrating actions? • Are approved respirators provided when needed? • Is all PPE maintained in a sanitary condition and ready for use? • Are foods or beverages consumed only in areas where there is no exposure to toxic material, blood, or other potentially infectious materials?

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• Is protection against the effects of occupational noise provided when sound levels exceed those of the OSHA noise standard? • Are adequate work procedures, PPE, and other equipment provided and used when cleaning up spilled hazardous materials? • Are appropriate procedures in place to dispose of or decontaminate PPE contaminated with, or reasonably anticipated to be contaminated with, blood or other potentially infectious materials?

Final thought Tow professionals are responsible for protecting their workers from hazards, and when necessary, provide the proper PPE that employees need to stay safe. TOW Mark H. Stromme Workplace Safety Editor with J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. 3003 Breezewood Ln, | Neenah, WI 54957 (920) 722-2848 Email: mstromme@jjkeller.com www.jjkeller.com

The

NASCO Vision

COMPANY

SPOTLIGHT

Quality Driven by our quality policy that “We will achieve customer satisfaction by continually improving processes and products to ensure they meet or exceed internal and external customer requirements,” NASCO manufactures the highest quality products available. From digitally mastered patterns to computerized assembly techniques, NASCO engineers made in USA quality into every garment.

Safety NASCO understands outerwear plays a significant role in workplace safety. Whether you need protection from an electric arc, a flash fire, a chemical splash, a road-side traffic hazard or simply foul weather, NASCO products are tested to the most current and stringent safety standards available.

Comfort NASCO understands that a balance must be struck between safety and comfort. You need not sacrifice one for the other any longer. NASCO’s mission is to maximize safety, comfort and functionality of our rainwear. Waterproof, breathable and safe protective outerwear solutions are now available.

Innovation NASCO understands that solutions are derived from innovation. Technologies continue to advance, making materials safer, lighter, stronger and more comfortable. Change must be constant. It is the NASCO mission to convert these advancements in materials into protective outerwear solutions for today’s workforce.

Our Commitment NASCO customers should expect: • Accurate, on-time delivery • Respectful, courteous customer service • A quality domestic product covered by a guarantee of complete atisfaction • Access to industry expertise and expert problem solving knowledge • Quality, innovative protective outerwear solutions TOW www.nascoinc.com 800-767-4288

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Professional Your Resource for Towing & Recovery

HOOKEDUP The All American tm Reach-It Set

DC Matic Edit here The world's most powerful 24-VDC electric impact wrench is now shipping from Jiffyjump.com. The DC-Matic Model 900's patent pending technology produces outstanding performance that has never been achieved in a direct current powered impact wrench. With no need for compressed air, the DC-Matic is a safer, more convenient and more effective way to remove even stubborn lugs from wheels. "For all day performance, it can be powered from our existing JiffyJump starters," says Powerhouse Industries president, William Guditus. "Frankly, this is a game-changer." For more details and to purchase, visit www.jiffyjump.com or call (631) 325-5555.

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The All American tm Reach-It Set gives you the versatility needed for unlocking cars quickly. These long-reach tools, paired with our Inflatable Wedge ($27.95), provide the safest form of damage-free auto entry. The All American tm Reach-It Set comes in 3 differing lengths (58", 44" and 40"), in Red, White & Blue, and is offered at a very patriotic price. www.nextgentool.com 800-874-5625

Professional Your Resource for Towing & Recovery

Officially Licensed Chevrolet and GMC Wheel Simulators

You’re going to have to take a second look when you see these Wheel Simulators. Officially Licensed, sporting either Chevy or GMC logos, they are designed for a Perfect Fit and are available in either Polished Stainless or the latest offering of Chrome Plated Stainless Steel, giving consumers the Chrome Plated look only wheels could deliver until now. What’s better is that they have the durability of Stainless Steel that everyone has grown to love. Available in 16”, 17”, 19.5”, and 22.5” and offer a full limited Lifetime Warranty. www.WheelCovers.com

Aldridge Insurance Agency Aldridge Insurance is a specialized agency focused on Towing, Repossession, Repair, and many other auto related businesses. We concentrate on service & coverage for our customers, and that’s what keeps you moving. We can meet all Federal, State, and Contract insurance requirements you come across in your business with the 20+ companies we represent. It is our goal to help offer you peace of mind and that is priceless! Chase Aldridge Aldridge Insurance, LLC 404 W. Fairview St. Troy, AL 36081 334-566-0051: Office 334-566-0071: Fax 334-372-7006: Cell

specializing in Automotive & Towing Insurance

www.AldridgeIns.net www.facebook.com/TowTruckInsurance www.facebook.com/RepoInsurance

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Professional Your Resource for Towing & Recovery

HOOKEDUP

TowMate adds “WOW” factor to wireless lights with end markers

(BCA21 pictured above with new “glowing” end caps)

In keeping to their mantra of continuous improvement, TowMate has added some pizazz to their wireless tow lights with end markers. New models will feature a slightly see through end cap with the marker light installed behind it, thus illuminating the entire end of the light as opposed to simply a ¾” light as used in the past. Functionally, the light has not changed; however, they sure look cool! www.towmate.com Ph: (800) 680-4455

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AllWik Economy Spill Kit – 84264 The AllWik Economy Spill Kit is affordable, portable and convenient. Easily store in your truck in case of small oil-, water-based and chemical spill emergencies. This handy kit includes everything you need to absorb up to 5 gallons of liquid: (10) 15”L x 19”W pads, (2) 4’L x 3” dia. socks, (1) pair nitrile gloves, (1) disposal bag, (1) instruction sheet and (1) Hi-vis yellow PVC bag. Weighs 4 lb. (800) 243-3194 www.awdirect.com

RMI SOURCE

Showa® Hi-Vis Nitrile Gloves – NGL and NGO These bright, medical-grade ShowaJ HiVis Nitrile Gloves are perfect for jobs where visibility or color coding are critical. Accelerator-, powder- and latex-free. NGL is 4mil nitrile, comes in lime green and measures 9-1/2”L. Available in sizes S–XL. FDA Class 1 compliant. NGO is 5-mil nitrile, comes in orange and measures 10-1/2”L. Available in sizes S–2XL. Both are sold in a box of 100 gloves. (800) 243-3194 www.awdirect.com

RMI-25 cleans the entire cooling system, removing all mineral deposits while you drive. Not only does RMI25 clean the system, it conditions the coolant to inhibit rust and corrosion, maintaining your cooling system in peak condition. With the cooling system restored to design specifications, your engine will run cooler and last longer. Forget about replacing your water pump; RMI-25 provides needed lubrication for water pump bearings and seals. Call 800-661-7242 Or Visit: www.RMISource.com Ask for fleet wholesale pricing.

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Professional Your Resource for Towing & Recovery

HOOKEDUP

BA Products Due to changes in modern vehicle design, we at B/A Products have seen the possibilities for damage increase that can be caused by the hook of the winch line coming into contact with delicate components of a towed vehicle; bumpers, spoilers, oil pans and the like. Due to the relationship of the legs of a V chain or V strap and the pear or round link that joins them in the middle, the winch line hook is forced into a vertical plane, sometimes causing damage to the towed vehicle. B/A Products Co. saw the problem and has redesigned with an innovative, PATENT PENDING solution! By adding an OBLONG LINK, the hook of the winch line is now in a horizontal plane with the tip of the hook pointed away from components that could otherwise be damaged.

AVAILABLE THROUGH B/A PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTORS WORLDWIDE B/A Products Co. | 8925 Mcgaw Court | Columbia, MD 21045 www.baprod.com | (800) 327-3301

COMSTAR Wireless Capability Expanded to 16 Users open line just like on a regular telephone within a 400-yard range. All standard COMSTAR systems include up to 8 self contained wireless headsets and a simple portable centralized signal relay. The System operates without belt pack transceivers or external antennas. Now, for those Tow professionals that require a larger talk-net, COMSTAR systems are available with expanded capacity of up to 16 headsets so that all users that can communicate simultaneously in full duplex mode. • Instant setup – No remote antenna required. • Lithium Batteries have run time of 10 hours, fresh batteries field replaceable. • Packed in a hard plastic weatherproof case (incl.) with custom foam. For more information, contact: Eartec Co. Inc. (800) 399-5994 | info@eartec.com | www.eartec.com

Tow Professional | Volume 3 • Issue 2 | www.towprofessional.com

Eye3Data Adds Two New Dual View Cameras Eye3Data announces the addition of two new dual view cameras to its state-of-the art-camera collection. The Dual View Cube Camera and the Dual Rearview Camera are highly developed and versatile cameras that offer professional quality video and audio with built in microphone. Each comes with its own unique design. The unique design of the Dual View Cube Camera has 2 built in cameras with microphone in one unit that record professional quality audio and video inside and outside the cab. The Dual Rearview Camera has two built in cameras with microphone that record high-quality audio and video inside and outside the cab. The 2 in 1 camera system eliminates the need to purchase two separate cameras. The smarter and sleeker design of the new cameras allows for simple and easy installation. As a special offer for our Tow Professional readers, receive a free Dual View Camera with a purchase of a Mobile Video Recording System. Mention Promo Code TowPro314 when placing your order. Eye3Data www.eye3data.com 888-777-9059

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COMPANY

ADVERTISER INDEX PG

Aldridge Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Alexander Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 American Safety & Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 AmeriDeck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Amsoil Synthetic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Austin Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 B/A Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11, 46 Beacon Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40, 46 Best Insurance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Bowers Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Boxes 4 U/ Crashfilm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 BudgetGPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Collins Dollies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Custer Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 CW Mill Equipment Company . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Detroit Wrecker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Direct Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 DJ and Dan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Dynamic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IBC Eartec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 ECM Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Eye3 Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Flash Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 FlowStop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Gaither Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

COMPANY

Glenn's Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Hazmat Responder Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Hino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC Holly's Message Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Hubcaps Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 I Tow In, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 IAA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Industrial Netting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Intek Truck & Equipment Leasing . . . . . . . . . . .45 International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame & Museum / Wall of the Fallen . . . . . . . . . . . .24, 25 Jerr-Dan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Keystone Tape and Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Larson Electronics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 LDC Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Lift and Tow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Lodar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Loganville Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Mfr. Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Miti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Mobile Awareness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 NASCO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 NationWide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 New Pig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Next Generatioin Tool Company . . . . . . . . . .45

COMPANY

Pillow Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Powerbilt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Powerhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Ram Mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Recovery Billing Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Recovery Consulting Services . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Rick's Auto Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Robert Young's Wrecker Sales & Service . . . .44 Rugged Tow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 RV Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 S&J Manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Slick Top Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Steck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 sureFleet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 TL Lifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 TomTom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 TowBook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Towmate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IFC TowRamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Tracker Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Triple K Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Worksafe USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Worldwide Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Zacklift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

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